Maswanhise continues to get rave reviews in UK

TEENAGE sensation, Tawanda Maswanhise, continues to get rave reviews in England following another polished performance for Leicester City in a pre-season friendly match, against Championship side Wycombe Wanders, on Wednesday.

The 18-year-old was in the starting line-up, along with impressive newboy Boubakary Soumare, Zambian international Patrick Daka and England forward Jamie Vardy, at Adams Park.

For the second time, in five days, City boss Brendan Rodgers deployed two XIs, at the start of each half, as the Foxes fell to a 0-1 defeat.

Maswanhise featured in the first 45 minutes, which had ended goalless.

But, before he had left the pitch at half time on Wednesday night, he had done enough to leave the army of the Foxes followers convinced he is, indeed, one for the future.

Some of the social media commentators even suggested the teenager, who was included in the match day squad in a league match against Manchester United last season, be fast-tracked into first team football.

Maswanhise created one of the best chances, midway through the first half, when he skipped into the area and fed Vardy, who side-stepped his marker and took aim, but the Wycombe goalkeeper David Stockdale got down well, to save at his near post.

For the second game in a row, the Leicester Mercury rated Maswanhise as the outstanding player.

“This kid has a big future. Fearless in his approach as he darted past his man frequently, while he had the end product too, crossing low for Vardy’s big chance.

‘’He won plenty more free-kicks too, thanks to his pace,” remarked Leicester Mercury columnist Jordan Blackwell yesterday.

Maswanhise is among a group of development players, who have been training with the first team, during the pre-season.

Academy players, Thanawat Suengchitthawon and Luke Thomas, also featured in their second pre-season warm-up game.

Fellow youngsters, Jakub Stolarczyk and

Ben Nelson, made maiden appearances of the summer, after the interval.

The Foxes are set to continue their pre-season schedule, with a match against Sky Bet Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers, before entertaining UEFA Europa League winners Villarreal at King Power Stadium, next Wednesday.

Here is what the Foxes followers said about Maswanhise after the Wanderers game:

James Worthington: “Maswanhise has been brilliant so far. Quick and direct, everything you’d want from a winger in this Leicester side. Thumbs up. Looking forward to seeing more of him this season.”

David Bevan: “Maswanhise impressing again. In desperate need of wingers other than Barnes who can go past a player and make things happen. Hopefully we’ve already got a couple with him and Sowah.”

Shakti: “Maswanhise looks very promising.”

Foxes Press: “Maswanhise is looking like a proper prospect, talented player.”

Danny Creesy: “Maswanhise looks like a baller.”

Cullum: “Maswanhise is a baller, so direct and fast, would be a great back-up for Barnes if he can play well against Premier League/ Europa League level opposition.”

Ashley Clarke: “Only a friendly but Maswanhise looks a real talent, one for the future. Soumaré also looks a good player, could be vital with (Wilfred) Ndidi in big games.”

Jordan Blackwell: “Maswanhise, fearless on the left wing, again stands out, while Fofana anticipated play well, Soumare was strong and skilful, and Dewsbury-Hall passed crisply.”

Mad About Foxes: “Love how direct Maswanhise is on the ball, so much confidence for someone who is only 18! We’ve really missed that in the squad during Barnes’ absence.”

Jack Johnson: “Maswanhise was again the bright spark of that first half. The youngster is exactly what Leicester need.

“Direct, lightning pace and fast feet. Such a threat from out wide. Really impressive in both games this pre-season,”